The Parliamentary Budget Officer confirms the June 2025 announcement adds over $9 billion in new defence authorities, pushing planned spending past $62 billion for 2025-26. Yet this total hinges on details Parliament lacks, such as whether funds accelerate existing projects or launch fresh ones. NATO's vetting will test eligibility, but actual expenditures, not forecasts, seal the pledge's strength. Canada edges closer to 2%, though execution remains the true measure.
All this said, I'd like our federal government to state what's our defence doctrine.
Are we to design and develop our forces for: Canadian territorial and coastal defence? to protect and maintain our sea supply lines? for expeditionary forces?
Good work. First, I'm not the least bit surprised that the current government is using various accounting methods to hit their number. All governments do this.
Tricks aside, I'm mildly confident that we'll get to the 2% for the following reasons: 1) As you write, NATO sees through the games and has historically, it has been transparent on defence spending; 2) The American effort to end the war in Ukraine; Euro governments see what's going on - the Americans are cozying up to the Russians at their expense. Whether they want to or not, they're going to increase their defence spending - Canada will be dragged along, albeit kicking and screaming; 3) The American relationship with Canada. The gloves have finally been pulled off. The Yanks are rightfully tired of our freeloading. Whether it's VP Vance in 2028 or a Dem, this pressure will remain. Importantly, it will remain because Canada and Canadians have finally realized that the US, at any time it chooses, will pursue its strategic interests at our expense. They remain our friends, just not reliable ones. We need our own capacities to defend our own interests. I think there are enough Canadians who realize this new reality.
Now, will the Liberals or Conservatives ever spend 3.5% GDP on defence? Outside of WWIII, there's not a chance. But I think if we can get our number somewhere between 1.90 and 2.15 and keep it there, we can look at our critics and say, "We're not laggards. This is what we're spending, and go pound sand." As a Canadian, if we're spending around 2% on defence, we're doing our part. Europe, where the frontlines are, may want to spend more, but we shouldn't. That is our geographic blessing and right.
Man I appreciate your work, very thorough and in depth; keep it!
Thanks kindly! Glad you took the time to read it, and enjoyed it.
The Parliamentary Budget Officer confirms the June 2025 announcement adds over $9 billion in new defence authorities, pushing planned spending past $62 billion for 2025-26. Yet this total hinges on details Parliament lacks, such as whether funds accelerate existing projects or launch fresh ones. NATO's vetting will test eligibility, but actual expenditures, not forecasts, seal the pledge's strength. Canada edges closer to 2%, though execution remains the true measure.
All this said, I'd like our federal government to state what's our defence doctrine.
Are we to design and develop our forces for: Canadian territorial and coastal defence? to protect and maintain our sea supply lines? for expeditionary forces?
Spending for what purpose?
2% ? but, but, but, King Donny wants 5%.
Lighten up Francis.
How does one trust someone who is a proven liar.
Bullshit in, bullshit out.
Liberal lips lying again.
Good work. First, I'm not the least bit surprised that the current government is using various accounting methods to hit their number. All governments do this.
Tricks aside, I'm mildly confident that we'll get to the 2% for the following reasons: 1) As you write, NATO sees through the games and has historically, it has been transparent on defence spending; 2) The American effort to end the war in Ukraine; Euro governments see what's going on - the Americans are cozying up to the Russians at their expense. Whether they want to or not, they're going to increase their defence spending - Canada will be dragged along, albeit kicking and screaming; 3) The American relationship with Canada. The gloves have finally been pulled off. The Yanks are rightfully tired of our freeloading. Whether it's VP Vance in 2028 or a Dem, this pressure will remain. Importantly, it will remain because Canada and Canadians have finally realized that the US, at any time it chooses, will pursue its strategic interests at our expense. They remain our friends, just not reliable ones. We need our own capacities to defend our own interests. I think there are enough Canadians who realize this new reality.
Now, will the Liberals or Conservatives ever spend 3.5% GDP on defence? Outside of WWIII, there's not a chance. But I think if we can get our number somewhere between 1.90 and 2.15 and keep it there, we can look at our critics and say, "We're not laggards. This is what we're spending, and go pound sand." As a Canadian, if we're spending around 2% on defence, we're doing our part. Europe, where the frontlines are, may want to spend more, but we shouldn't. That is our geographic blessing and right.